The Importance of Exercise and Nutrition After Childhood Cancer
Exercise and good nutrition is important for everyone, but especially important if you’re a childhood cancer survivor.
Eating properly and enjoying physical exercise provide many important health benefits to childhood cancer survivors. After successful treatment for childhood cancer, talk with your medical provider to develop a healthy eating plan and an exercise program tailored toward your child’s individual needs.
Some basic guidelines include:
- Eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
- Eating high-fiber foods such as whole grain breads, rice and cereals
- Avoiding high-fat foods such as French fries, potato chips and pizza
- Choosing low-fat dairy products and meats (such as chicken and fish)
- Exercising until one is tired, but not in pain
- Selecting enjoyable exercises, such as group sports or “fun” activities
- Including warm-up and cool-down activities
- Trying to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, at least 5 days per week
Children’s Cancer Research Fund drew from information provided by the Children’s Oncology Group Childhood Cancer Survivor Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines – developed as a collaborative effort of the Nursing Discipline and the Late Effects Committee – as a resource for the above health information to assist childhood cancer survivors, their families and their clinicians.
